When dealing with large litters and you have simultaneous farrowings, there may be an opportunity to implement a fostering procedure, transferring your Oxford Sandy and Black piglets from a larger farrowing to a smaller farrowing. This practice can be of benefit as well as ensuring the welfare of sow and piglets which begins with careful observation of the piglets.
Identify those piglets that show signs of lethargy and lacklustre. These observations will serve as indicators for taking action, possibly including the decision to foster the struggling piglet and at the same time provide essential sustenance such as electrolytes or additional milk.
Cross-fostering your low birth weight Oxford Sandy and Black piglets with littermates of similar weight can significantly improve their daily weight and overall health with the added bonus of high expectations for pre-weaning performance.
We are aware that smaller piglets competing with their larger siblings are at a disadvantage. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to create foster litters consisting of the smallest piglets born on a given farrowing day. It is essential to introduce these small piglets to a sow that is in her early stages of motherhood, preferably on her first or second litter. Sows in their second year, for instance, tend to have smaller teats that are better suited for the small mouths of these piglets. This thoughtful approach can greatly benefit the piglets’ growth and overall well-being of the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig.
You might discover our blog titled “Piglet/Weaner – Being Prepared” to be a valuable resource for additional guidance and assistance.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190469) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Selection for Breeding and Observational approaches for the Newborn
Selection for Breeding
Among us, some maintain a closed herd, while others do not, often due to the practicality of keeping two sows not justifying the presence of a boar. In such cases, the option of hiring a boar becomes viable. Regardless of the approach, prioritising biosecurity remains crucial. Should hiring a boar is your preference, ensure you know the boar’s recent history; when was the boar last hired out, his health plan (wormed, vaccinated for ery/parvo) and, of course, ensure that the boars’ size suits your sow or gilt.
When selecting Oxford Sandy and Black pig (OSB) breeding stock, choose from OSB sows and gilts that have consistently produced robust litters. This indicates their strong placental efficiency, which ensures optimal oxygen and nutrition exchange therein. Furthermore, each breed possesses distinct attributes that are essential for going forward for breeding and advancing our breed’s quality. To better understand these attributes, explore the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig breed conformation HERE
Piglet Observation Approach
Being present during the farrowing process is not only exciting but also immensely helpful. It allows you to monitor various critical aspects, starting from the moment the OSB sow/gilt begins farrowing until the last piglet is born, and you witness the completion of the farrowing process with the passing of the two afterbirths. Additionally, you can ensure that every piglet receives its crucial first dose of colostrum. It is worth noting that colostrum declines approximately six hours after the onset of farrowing.
Your presence enables you to assist vulnerable piglets in accessing teats ensuring they receive nourishment without difficulties.
By closely monitoring the farrowing process, you can also promptly identify any signs of ill health among the piglets and follow the prescribed veterinary protocols for treatment. Moreover, you can verify that the piglets are positioned either on or under a heat source and not heaped up on top of each other which will indicate that they are cold. Bear in mind that the piglet has no brown fat (used by mammals to generate heat quickly) so the piglet cannot use fat to generate heat in cold conditions. Therefore, piglets require environmental temperatures of 34°C or more for the single new born piglet, or 25-30°C or more for the piglet able to huddle in order to maintain body temperature.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190469) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Photo: In pig gilt with 11 days to go. Francesca an Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Gilt photo taken on 22 January 2023 farrowed on 2 February 2023.
Enhancing the In-pig Sow Nutrition
Although the last month of pregnancy is the period when the main growth rate of the foetus takes shape, we, Oxford Sandy and Black Pig keepers must take into consideration the whole of the gestation period to take advantage of the opportunity to influence birth weights.
Direct Your Attention Beyond the Final Third of Gestation: Emphasis is more than just the last third of gestation, as this period witnesses foetal growth spurts and an opportunity to influence birth weight. Elevate nutrient intake for sows starting from day 80 of gestation to positively impact birth weight. Notably, between days 90 and 115, piglet growth rate increases significantly.
Evaluate Feeding Regime for the Oxford Sandy and Black Gilts: Carefully consider the feeding plan for your breeding gilts. Overfeeding them during the initial stages of gestation can yield both short and long-term effects. The extra feed might be directed towards the gilts’ reserves rather than the developing foetus. This practice could lead to the birth of small piglets and overweight gilts. Once a gilt accumulates excess fat, her productivity might diminish.
Remember it is worth discussing feeding options with your feed nutritionist/feed merchant.
Photo: In pig gilt with 12 days to go. Francesca an Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Gilt photo taken on 22 January 2023
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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As we witness the wonderful farrowings with the anticipation of more to come, I thought it a perfect opportunity to delve into the different phases of piglet observation and care this week.
We know that recognising those piglets smaller than their littermates often exhibit delayed growth and require additional attention, and as such the following protocols may aid us to minimise the weight disparity between lighter piglets and their larger siblings.
Investigation of various factors affecting birth weight, with the aim of enhancing the postnatal performance of underweight piglets, has resulted in the following findings.
As most of us have witnessed, a common occurrence is litters with diverse birth weights. These variations tend to increase, with an overall trend toward smaller piglets, when the number born alive is higher. There is no need for alarm; entire litters comprised solely of small piglets do not necessarily indicate an issue, as these piglets can still be viable. With the right conditions, low birth weight pigs can catch up in growth to their normal birth weight counterparts. Nonetheless, early intervention remains crucial.
The prospect of piglet survival rates are low if their weight falls below 1 kg. If possible, try to weigh and gauge the number of piglets below 1kg, document the weights to enable to recognise the developments which will help you to offer extra assistance in their development.
Challenges During Foetal Development
Poor foetus and reduced growth of piglets can be identified as early as 30 days of gestation
Low birth weight can be a result of an inefficiency of the placenta to transfer nutrients to the foetuses rather than uterine capacity – ensure gilt is not younger than 12 months for service
Oxygen Deprivation influences the Critical Factor in Foetal Growth, Central Nervous System Impact, and Survival of Piglets
Some piglets may be petite but exhibit excellent vitality and favourable postnatal behaviours, such as rapid suckling, which significantly contributes to their survival.
Piglets that are both undersized and weak, which can be indicative of oxygen deprivation, face a significant disadvantage
It’s important to highlight that the maternal genotype plays a significant role in determining placental efficiency and, consequently, foetal weight, while the potential for growth and size is influenced by the sire line.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Some of us have experienced our sows and gilts as being very drawn during and after feeding their piglets. The causes have been diagnosed as inadequate feed during lactation, farrowing house being too hot or is due to underfeeding during pregnancy. This effects weight loss and anoestrus (poor return to season).
Causes
The condition results classically from a combination of parasitism – one organism (called parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism usually of different species (worms or mange), low environmental temperatures and inadequate feed intake, particularly during lactation. Weight loss at this time may never be regained. Parasitism is less important when therapy is routinely carried out. In outdoor pig populations, low environmental temperatures are important.
Outdoor sows require at least 200 kg more feed per sow per year than indoor animals. Sow that are kept indoors during the winter cold months should be kept at 22°C and sows in moderate condition at 21°C. Lower temperatures may be tolerated in the presence of bedding. Temperatures below this require extra feed to maintain sow weight gain in gestation.
Feed intake is the most important cause. Feed intake may be affected by bullying, disease, a high environmental temperature in the farrowing accommodation, or an over fat condition at farrowing. Sows should be in condition score 3/4 or 6/10 (fat depth at P2 16-20 mm) at farrowing, which may fall to condition score 2-2.5/4 or 4/10 (fat depth P2 12 mm) after lactation. Unless these criteria are met, total weaning weight of the litter will be reduced, return to oestrus will be delayed and egg numbers will be reduced to give small subsequent litters.
Clinical signs
In extreme cases, being abnormally thin or weak may occur in 30-90% of sows and boars in a herd, associated with hypothermia 36.5-38°C (97-100°F), depraved appetites, restlessness, apathy, and later, difficulty in rising. The skin may be dirty and greasy and there may be surface abrasions. As the condition progresses, failure to return to oestrus and permanent infertility may occur.
Where accurate individual feeding to condition is not practised and bullying occurs, individual animals in a group can be clinically affected. Less than optimal condition are frequently found in winter where temperature control is not practised. Suboptimal condition or even thin sows may be found during the recovery period from disease such as influenza and may be more extreme in lean breeds. Clinical signs of suboptimal condition include increased weaning to service intervals, small litters and low weaning weights. Piglets of sows in suboptimal condition may be restless and demand milk more frequently.
Thin sows may be identified by observation and systematic condition scoring of the herd. Ultrasound is particularly useful for quantitative measurement as scoring is more difficult in older animals due to their conformation. As sows should gain at least 12.5 kg body weight between parities, regular weighing can identify animals in sub-optimal condition. Pressure sores in sows at weaning also indicate poor condition.
Where gilt condition and nutrition in lactation is inadequate, the second litter is the same size or smaller than the first, and low number born may reflect overall sow condition at service. Extended weaning to service intervals and low weaning weights may be due to poor body condition. The causes of poor sow condition should be established. It should be established that feed of adequate quantity and nutrient density is being supplied to each individual especially during lactation and until implantation 10-14 days after service. Parasitism can be ruled out by inspection, by sampling for mange and faecal sampling (which some of you do) for worm eggs and coccidia. The influence of disease may be established by inspection, clinical examination or consultation of the recent history of the herd of the animals concerned.
Treatment and prevention
There is no treatment. The effects of thin sows on litter weaning weights can be reduced by supplementary feeding of the litter, whereby some of us have supplemented with sow replacement milk in the earlier days. The effects on numbers born may be reduced when sows or gilts are in poor condition by delaying service until the next oestrus. Ensure that adequate quantities of food of the correct nutrient density are given to all affected animals and that individual feeding is possible. Environmental temperatures should be restored to normal and anthelminthic or mange treatment should be considered.
Adequate feed intake during lactation and early pregnancy should maintain the weight of the sow and increase it by 10-15 kg between litters by increasing the energy content of lactating rations with fat or feeding three times daily during lactation. It may be necessary to weigh sows after weaning (for those of you that do not have scales please may I remind you that we have a “calculate the live weight” in the OSBPG tools section of our website) in order to ensure that adequate weight gain has occurred between lactations, to assign them to groups for feeding at an appropriate level through pregnancy or to feed individually to condition.
AHDB have been running this charter to safeguard our pigs in the UK for many years. Whether you have 2 pet pigs or a breeding herd or a keeper bringing on weaners for meat production you will benefit from this important tool.
By signing up you will be alerted by text or email of a disease outbreak in or around your area the alert will warn you of Swine Dysentery or Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv).
More information about how to access PigHub can be found HERE.
Take a couple of minutes to check you’re registered next time you log into Pig Hub (its the same password and user name as your eAML2)
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please consider clicking our donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Biosecurity serves as the pivotal strategy through which we thwart the infiltration and proliferation of detrimental agents, encompassing viruses, bacteria, animals, plants, pathogens, and insects, within the UK. Additionally, it outlines our approach to managing the repercussions posed by organisms that have already taken root.
Within the realm of pig management, the principles of biosecurity are geared towards safeguarding our pig population against the threat of pests, weeds, and diseases, while concurrently bolstering the accessibility of pork production for British consumers. An imperative aspect involves remaining vigilant against the introduction of alien invasive diseases, whether propelled by human intervention or stemming from interactions with other species. Notable examples include the risk posed by diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF), Swine Dysentery, PRRS, TB, Erysipelas, and numerous others.
Biosecurity emerges as a shield fortifying our pigs against the onslaught of infectious diseases. Through stringent measures and diligent practices, we bolster the resilience of our pig industry and enhance the protection of our animals, all while ensuring the continuity of safety of our pigs and, of course, high-quality pork production.
The transmission of diseases can occur through various pathways, encompassing:
Introduction of new pigs into an existing herd
Movement of pigs, individuals and machinery both within and between farms/holdings
Interaction with livestock belonging to neighbouring properties or at events
Contamination resulting from the presence of vermin and wild birds
Being exposed to potentially contaminated drinking water through rivers and streams
Feeding kitchen waste
Interaction with humans through on-farm visit
These routes of disease dissemination fortifies the significance of stringent biosecurity measures to safeguard pigs health and prevent the unwarranted proliferation of illnesses.
To establish a secure environment for both our pigs and ourselves, we can undertake the following measures:
Preventive Measures:
Refrain from introducing infections onto your farm and prevent their spread by avoiding contamination through soiled clothing, footwear, and hands.
Monitor and control farm visitors and vehicles to limit potential contamination sources.
Set up dedicated hospital pens to isolate sick pigs. Consider applying for a free isolation unit.
Maintain cleanliness in farm access routes, parking spaces, yards, and storage areas.
Ensure availability of pressure washers, brushes, hoses, water, and disinfectant for effective cleaning.
Display foot dip signs and provide disinfectant at entry points for visitors’ use.
Keep animal housing clean, adequately ventilated, and avoid overstocking.
Avoid sharing injecting and dosing equipment. Clean and disinfect farm machinery and equipment, especially if shared with other farms.
Provide livestock with a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Refrain from offering unpasteurised milk to pigs to minimize the risk of bTB.
Source pigs and livestock from reputable suppliers; make informed decisions.
Collaborate with your veterinarian to establish a health plan, including provisions for isolating new or returning stock. Maintain proper fencing to prevent contact with neighbouring livestock.
Implement effective pest control programs.
Secure ponds, streams, and rivers with fencing, while providing clean and fresh drinking water through troughs.
Keep livestock away from recently spread slurry for at least two months.
Ensure accurate and up-to-date identification and record-keeping practices.
Properly dispose of fallen stock without burying or burning in fields.
Vigilance and Reporting:
Remain watchful for any signs of disease.
Promptly report notifiable diseases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Staying Informed:
Stay updated on pig diseases in your region by subscribing to the AHDB disease charter.
By adhering to these comprehensive measures, we can significantly reduce the risks of disease transmission, enhance the health and well-being of our livestock, and fortify the safety of our operations.
Photo: Nicola Goodings
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please click the donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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As we know each breed has its own characteristics. However, a generalisation can be reached regarding selecting breeding stock for future generations. The same criteria applies to the selection of both our boars and gilts/sows.
The ideal pig provides good cushioning and flexability to all the joints and as you would imagine this would cause our pigs an easier time getting up and down with the knock on effect of being less likely to suffer from leg injuries and complaints which in turn enhances the longevity and productivity of our herds regardless of how small or large they will be. Not forgetting adding to a greater genetic selection.
So lets start from the ground up. The toes, the fundamental building blocks of the making of our pigs.
Toes should be big, even and well spaced to take the weight of our pigs.
Condition of the toes
The toes should have no visible cracks, swellings or injuries, this is also true to say for the underneath of each foot.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662). We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please click the donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Photo: Pork Information Gateway – Faeces with excess blood, mucus or both are highly suggestive of Swine Dysentery
Swine Dysentery, Brachyspira hyodysenteria, a widespread and well-recognised disease among pigs globally, poses a significant threat across various pig keeping operations. It is present in the UK and it is wise that pig keepers are aware of diseases in and around your area/county.
Please ensure you are signed up to AHDB Disease Charter (using the same log in details when signing in for the eaml2). Being aware helps you to be prepared. As it could affect the movement of your pigs.
Clinical Symptoms
Swine dysentery has distinct clinical signs in affected pigs, such as a dull and depressed demeanour, displaying a lack of appetite.
Dehydration is a common consequence of the disease, the faeces may range from soft to almost watery consistency, containing blood, mucous, and, in severe cases there will be necrotic gut lining.
The course of the disease usually spans over several days. Initially, pigs may exhibit high temperatures, reaching up to 41°C (106°F). Mortality can occur early on or later in the disease course, often as a result of dehydration or salt poisoning. It is essential to closely monitor pigs showing these clinical symptoms and promptly seek veterinary attention to manage and treat the disease effectively.
Swine dysentery is primarily spread through infected pigs and their faeces. Anything contaminated with dung, such as vehicles, boots, and equipment, can serve as potential carriers and easily transmit the infection between farms. Vigilant biosecurity measures are crucial in preventing the disease’s spread and protecting pig populations from the risk of infection. Being mindful of where you are moving pigs from and too and being aware of the regional/county infection.
Pigs that survive swine dysentery infection often require treatment, leading to extended time to reach slaughter weight. This compromises the farm’s overall productivity and competitiveness, posing significant challenges for pig producers.
The disease poses a particularly severe threat to farms involved in breeding pigs. If breeding pigs become infected, it can devastate both their international and UK trade, significantly impacting the farm’s economic viability.
An infected pig farm not only endangers other local farms but also poses a risk to farms in other regions. The disease can spread through contaminated vehicles or pig movements, leading to potential outbreaks in previously unaffected areas.
Moreover, the limited range of available treatments for swine dysentery is facing increasing resistance from the disease. In some cases, the swine dysentery organism has become resistant to all available treatments, leaving depopulation as the only viable method to control the disease’s spread and prevent further outbreaks.
The seriousness of swine dysentery demands constant vigilance and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures to safeguard pig populations and the pig farming industry as a whole. Early detection, proper management, and collaboration among pig producers are essential in tackling this challenging and potentially devastating disease.
Prevention
Make use of AHDB free services for safer biosecurity measures and sign up to the Significant Diseases Charter. An important application which shares information quickly in the event of an outbreak.
It is worth noting that abattoirs pose a significant risk for cross-contamination of vehicles. Therefore, effective cleaning and disinfection protocols can successfully prevent such contamination.
If you suspect swine dysentery in your pigs, it is crucial to take immediate action:
Observe for Diarrhoea and Wasting: Pay close attention to any pigs showing signs of unexplained diarrhoea and wasting. In particular, if the diarrhoea contains blood or mucus, this could be an indication of swine dysentery.
Contact Your Veterinarian: As soon as you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and assistance. They will provide guidance on the next steps and help confirm the diagnosis.
Seek Diagnosis: Diagnosis of swine dysentery is achieved by submitting faeces or pig samples for testing. Your veterinarian will conduct appropriate tests to identify the presence of the disease.
Implement Control Measures: If swine dysentery is confirmed, prompt diagnosis is essential for implementing suitable control measures. These measures are critical in limiting the spread of the infection to other pigs and farms.
By taking swift action and involving your veterinarian at the first sign of suspicion, you can effectively manage and control swine dysentery, minimising its impact on your herd and preventing the disease from spreading to other pig populations.
The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Group is UK’s only pig breed that is a registered charity in England & Wales (1190463) and Scotland (SCO52662) We are creating a better future for our breed, the bloodlines and its breeding potential together with our Independent Pork Producers, Breeders and Keepers. Please click the donate button so we may continue to look after our breed and our supporters.
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Tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, which produces toxins that affect the central nervous system of which the germ lives in the large intestine and can form spores therein. It also exists in faeces, not just in pigs but of other animals, and can also exist in soil.
The incubation period for the disease is around 1 to 10 weeks. Spores of the bacterium can be present in the soil, and the infection usually occurs through a dirty wound or cut. In lactating piglets, castration is a common source of infection.
Young pigs kept outside, especially those with wounds, are more prone to tetanus. Castration wounds in young pigs are particularly at risk. Once infected, the bacterium produces a powerful neurotoxin, leading to rigid muscle contractions.
Image: NADIS
Symptoms of tetanus in pigs include collapsing with tetanic muscle spasms, an upright head, curled tips of the ears, all four legs held out backwards, and an upright tail. Death often results from asphyxiation as the respiratory muscles become paralyzed. It is essential not to confuse tetanus with meningitis.
The disease tends to occur in areas known to be infected. In such high-risk situations, it is recommended to remove piglets for 48-72 hours after castration to allow wound closure. Maintaining a clean environment during castration is crucial. The disease is not limited to areas shared with or previously occupied by sheep.
Image: YouTube
In high-risk situations, vaccination of the sow is advisable and should be incorporated into your vaccination program. It is essential to consult with your veterinary for guidance. Consideration of administering a tetanus antitoxin at castration should also be discussed with your veterinary practitioner. Taking these preventive measures can help protect pigs from the potentially deadly effects of tetanus.
Always look to your bio-security. Hygiene is first and foremost.
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We invite you to join us in our mission to preserve and protect the rare breed of Oxford Sandy and Black Pig. Your support is crucial in ensuring a brighter future for this cherished breed, its precious bloodlines, and its valuable breeding potential. Together, let’s work towards providing a thriving and sustainable existence for these remarkable pigs, safeguarding their heritage for generations to come. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the conservation and prosperity of the Oxford Sandy and Black Pig breed.
